Media Release: March 3rd 2014

Work skills opportunity for Hibiscus and Bays youth

An initiative aiming to provide young people with a range of work-ready skills is being launched this month by Conservation Volunteers New Zealand [CVNZ] in the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board area.

The initiative dubbed the ‘Hibiscus Youth Action Programme’ is a 12 week programme that will teach participants practical skills as well as how to work cooperatively and collaboratively within a team.

Participants will gain a range of practical outdoors skills, and take part in accredited and non-accredited training, whilst working in a variety of locations on conservation-related projects in the Hibiscus and Bays area.

Accredited training includes: First Aid, Work Place Health and Safety, and Introduction to Power Tools.

At the end of the training programme, participants will be awarded a certificate that shows both training completed and skills gained. It will also demonstrate to potential employers the individual’s commitment to learning and supporting community projects.

CVNZ National Manager Eddie Morrow says these programmes are invaluable in assisting young people into work. “They are a proven pathway for acquiring new skills, qualifications and building important self confidence and belief,” he says.

CVNZ has extensive experience in managing youth–targeted conservation training programmes in New Zealand and in Australia, including three projects in post-earthquake Christchurch.

Feedback from Christchurch participants was overwhelmingly positive. A Christchurch WINZ case manager who referred a young beneficiary to the programme said she had seen dramatic changes in attitude and confidence since being a part of the CVNZ programme.

“His whole body language was different as a result. He appeared confident, bright, bubbly and ready to engage in with people. He has grown in confidence and now has some work choices as a result. Without this experience, the young man would struggled to get a break or positively involve himself in work training.”

This training programme is open to all 17-24 year -olds living in the Hibiscus and Bays area that are able to commit to three days per week over 12 weeks to complete the programme. The initiative commences early March, so young people interested in participating are encouraged to contact Conservation Volunteers as soon as possible.

This initiative is proudly supported by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

For more information on this programme and how to get involved, email info@conservationvolunteers.co.nz or phone 0800 567686.

Conservation Volunteers New Zealand run conservation and environmental programmes including habitat regeneration, enhancing our waterways and protecting New Zealand’s special habitats and wildlife.

Founded in Australia in 1982, Conservation Volunteers expanded operations to New Zealand in 2006. Today, Conservation Volunteers is a leader in delivery of practical conservation programmes, community involvement and a range of training programmes involving over 12,000 volunteers across New Zealand and Australia every year.

www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz

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